Are You a College Student?
Are you currently a college student? Are you in a Pre-Vet major? Or still trying to figure out what you would like to do for your career?
I was in that position in the past. I enjoyed science courses - especially ones geared more towards animal behavior. I loved dogs. I started to think vet school might be the best path forward. I worked as a vet tech and in related jobs, but at the time it involved things that made me uncomfortable like forcefully restraining dogs for treatments (now there are better methods for handling dogs). Once I took an animal behavior course and was studying dogs on my own, I realized I wanted to become a professional dog trainer. I designed my major to be specific to animal training, I achieved my goals, and have been working in the field for many years. I now specialize in helping others earn certification in dog behavior, training, and welfare.
The veterinary field is highly competitive and this means there are many students who don’t end up completing this path - if it’s your dream job, though, don’t give up - I just mention this for those students who potentially haven’t considered there are other good careers with dogs as well. Professional dog training is one of these careers.
If you are or were pre-vet (or another major), a dog training specialty might appeal to you for several reasons:
A quality dog training program…
Will be science-based, but it won’t include organic chemistry and physics (two of the more challenging courses that don’t always appeal to everyone).
Will focus on helping dogs by providing for their welfare.
Can lead to a career working in non-profit animal shelters and rescues; and many other careers as well - including running your own business.
Can be part of a vet tech or veterinarian career as well - using dog training knowledge and skills to help dogs be more comfortable at vet hospitals for procedures/treatments, and/or adding training services for clients. But also…
It’s a great field to work with dogs if you’re just not in particular a more laboratory or vet task-focused type of person.
If this sounds appealing to you, explore our Dog Training + Academy course. You can earn a certificate in behavior, training, and welfare (CBTW), and gain the knowledge and skills to competently work in the field.
You may even be able to receive college credit for taking our course - depending on university approval to your major.